HC Deb 09 April 1986 vol 95 cc133-4W
9. Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Governments of Mexico and Venezuela concerning the effect of lower oil prices on their economies; and if he will make a statement.

registered, (b) the proportion of these inspected by visits, (c) the proportion of firms inspected by visit found to be underpaying, (d) the total arrears assessed and (e) the total arrears paid.

Dr. Boyson

Figures for the proportion of establishments where pay was checked by visit and the proportion of such establishments found to be underpaying are not readily available for the years 1970, 1974 and 1978 to 1980 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. With these exceptions the information requested is given in the table.

Mrs. Chalker

Cheaper oil should in due course benefit the world economy, but its immediate impact on the export earnings of major oil exporting debtors such as Mexico and Venezuela is serious. We have discussed these concerns in the course of our contacts with the Governments of both countries.